The keyboard is going out in my Dell Inspiron 5770. My repair guy, who I trust very much, quoted 300 bucks to replace the keyboard, and he says this is because the way this laptop is built, the entire top plate has to be replaced. Nope, I'm not investing that in a seven year old machine.

I figure I'm much better off using an external keyboard- which pushes the laptop back from me a few inches- so in addition to the external keyboard, I'll get a bigger monitor. 22 inches seems right. I sometimes use my laptop in bed, so I'll get a tray to stabilize the monitor, and therefore I don't want anything over 22 inches.

Gotta be HDMI, as this Dell does not have USB-C display support. I don't want to spend a lot but the monitor has to have a great blackpoint.

Any ideas? Thanks

These are pretty decent monitors.

https://www.amazon.com/ViewSon...ps%2C153&sr=8-8&th=1

Black levels can vary greatly amongst even identical model numbers. Some panels are just better than others. Another option you might consider is what type of power supply it comes with. Some have a power brick adapter with a 2 prong AC plug or they no power brick and a 3 prong AC plug. The one I posted above is just a straight 3 prong AC plug.

Here in Denver I use Micro Center for computers. Micro Center has multiple locations across the country and they ship. They often have some good prices.

Based on experience at the office, monitors from Acer, Asus, and HP are good options.

I don't see how using an external monitor on a tray in bed can be usable. What will be on the tray? The laptop, external keyboard, mouse and a 22" monitor? That's a big tray. Then you also have to deal with the cables. The HDMI cable can be short and the excess coiled up and zip tied but the power cable has to go to a wall outlet. That will become a tripping hazard that could potentially yank the monitor off the tray.

When I went looking for a computer tray for a bed to see how big they are, I found overbed tables that seem like a better solution depending on available space.

Overbed Table with Wheels Overbed Desk Over Bed Desk King Queen Bed Table Overbed Laptop Table Over Bed Table with Wheels(Black)

or

FLEXISPOT H7 Adjustable Overbed Bedside Table with Wheels Pneumatic Mobile Standing Desk Laptop Desk Rolling Computer Cart Movable Overbed Tables Hospital Home Use

quote:

Originally posted by Paten:
I don't see how using an external monitor on a tray in bed can be usable.

I've already done it in the past.

And that's not the question, Paten

My job provided a Cheap 24" 1080p Dell Monitor for working at home during COVID. I bought a second one for like $150 so I have two externals and the laptop.

If I was playing flight simulators it would be pretty cool, but just work stuff.

You might just check what Dell has available now. Look for something with a VA panel instead of IPS for better contrast.

BENQ is where I would go for anything 4K or above.

I have bought many ASUS monitors over the years, mostly in the 26" size, but I would expect a similar experience with smaller units. They have never disappointed, whether top-of-the-line high resolution models or the less ambitious ones.

Tagged for reference.

The HP monitor that I have hooked up to my Dell Inspiron 3670 desktop just crapped out.

I buy LG, Samsung, HP/Dell depending on the deal and specs I need for whatever use I am buying it for.

You can expect to pay $85 and up for a small monitor.

They all have sales constantly. Just depends on what you need.

Look at factory reconditioned. They look and work like a new one.

While not the cheapest option out there, for your use case of using it sometimes on a tray in bed the Dell monitors being height adjustable I think would be VERY hard to beat since you could get the center of gravity down a bit when needed.

Here's a 22" with HDMI input on it. Dell model - P2225H.
https://www.dell.com/en-us/sho...-monitor-accessories